Keith Long optimistic for Bohemians despite recent defeat

Describing his players as having been "bright and breezy" in training despite their loss at St Patrick's Athletic on Tuesday night, Bohemians manager Keith Long says they've not pondered on that 3-1 defeat as they can't wait to meet Shamrock Rovers in another Dublin derby at Dalymount Park on Friday.

It’s been a demanding schedule for Bohemians, beginning last Friday when they ended league leaders Dundalk’s unbeaten start to the season with a surprise 2-1 win at Oriel Park before dropping their performance level against a re-invigorated St Patrick’s.

“We’re not in bad form because of one defeat. We’ve to put Tuesday’s loss behind us, and I expect the players to put in a big performance against our fiercest rivals,” said Long.

“It’s a quick turnaround and we can’t dwell on the Pat’s result. They’ll be full of confidence coming to Dalymount Park,” he added of Rovers.

Long has central defender Stephen Best, as well as midfielder Dave Mulcahy, back fit, while Anto Murphy may also be over an ankle injury. Derek Pender and Marc Griffin are out long-term while Paddy Kavanagh, Dan Byrne and Robbie Creevy are also out injured.

Home wins

Successive convincing home wins over Sligo Rovers and Derry City has Pat Fenlon's Rovers in their best form of the season, though they go to Phibsborough without leading scorer Mikey Drennan, who is suspended.

“With Mikey we’d found a little combination that we’re going to have to disrupt a little,” said Fenlon, who also remains without the injured Keith Fahey, Danny North and Max Blanchard, while winger Sean O’Connor is out for the rest of the season following surgery on a ruptured Achilles.

With Paddy Barrett suspended following his red card in that first defeat of the season last week, Brian Gartland is set to come back into Dundalk’s central defence following a hamstring injury as the champions head to Sligo Rovers.

There was still no official confirmation from Sligo on Thursday that they’ve parted company with manager Owen Heary, despite reports since last weekend that he is indeed gone.

It’s understood Joseph Ndo will take charge of the side on Friday night. Defender Jeff Henderson (foot) remains out while a hip problem is likely to also sideline midfielder John Russell.

FRIDAY'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated)
Premier Division Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers (Live on RTÉ 2, 7.35) Home: 10/3; Draw: 12/5; Away: 20/21. Cork City v Bray Wanderers Home: 1/5; Draw: 11/2; Away: 16/1. Drogheda United v Derry City Home: 11/5; Draw: 9/4; Away: 7/5. Longford Town v Galway United Home: 23/20; Draw: 23/10; Away: 13/5. St Patrick's Athletic v Limerick Home: 2/11; Draw: 6/1; Away: 16/1. Sligo Rovers v Dundalk Home: 9/2; Draw: 11/4; Away: 7/10
First Division Cabinteely v Athlone Town Home: 5/1; Draw: 16/5; Away: 11/20. Finn Harps v Wexford Youths (8.0). Home: 7/5; Draw: 12/5; Away: 2/1. Shelbourne v Cobh Ramblers Home: 8/15; Draw: 16/5; Away: 11/2. Waterford United v UCD Home: 5/1; Draw: 16/5; Away: 6/10